RUSS HAILS HISTORIC IRON

The Iron equalled a 125 year Football League record set ten years prior to the clubs formation in beating Cheltenham Town 2-0.

It was in 1889 – the first season of the Football League - that William Sudell of Preston North End set a record of 23 unbeaten games from the start of his managerial reign.

Russ Wilcox, on his landmark 50th birthday, has done so tonight making it half a season since Scunthorpe last tasted defeat; prior to his reign as manager began. That continues to extend the club record beyond the one set in 2006/07 when the Iron went 19 games without defeat.

“It’s been an amazing time,” he told The Iron Player.

“To go 23 league games undefeated is crazy really. It’s half a season. There has to be massive credit to everybody involved – the players, the staff; everybody. We’ve got to keep going now.”

He added: “We have to carry on. Everybody around us got their results tonight, but it’s another game knocked off and there’s still a long way to go yet.”

Speaking about the record, Wilcox again put it down to the group he has around him, continuing the theme of a thorough team performance, not only on the night, but throughout his period in charge.

“I think it’s one George (Kerr) played in,” he laughed – in the presence of the BBC Radio Humberside analyser.

“I didn’t know the stat – I only saw it this morning.

“It’s not about myself, it’s about the group and they should be proud of that. I’m proud of myself to be in charge of such a great squad of players. They are so together.”

United now have a chance to beat the long-standing record at Glanford Park on Saturday when they play host to Wycombe Wanderers in an attempt to make it 24 games without a loss and extend the run to beyond half a season.

See much more from Russ Wilcox, Sam Slocombe and Sam Winnall on The Iron Player.